Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has shown support for the construction of a new mosque in Moscow, the Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov rote up on Telegram, according to Meduza.

The proposed mosque is planned to be built on a street named after Akhmat-Haji Kadyrov in Yuzhnoye Butovo (Southern Butovo).

Putin reportedly emphasized the significance of this project for believers and expressed that the issue should have been addressed earlier.

Kadyrov highlighted the fact that there are over 3 million Muslims residing in Moscow, which underscores the need for new religious structures in the capital. 

The Chechen leader expressed his satisfaction over Putin’s endorsement for the idea, arguing that a lack of mosques often forces believers to pray on the streets during festive days, disrupting city services.

Meduza says Kadyrov and Putin met on September 28.  This meeting was not announced in advance.